Multi-function physical exercise apparatus

ABSTRACT

A flat ground-supported frame has two transversely spaced side portions from each of which support portions extend upwardly. A pivot extends between and is connected with the support portions, and a lever is journaled on this pivot intermediate the support portions and has a longer arm and a shorter arm below the pivot. The lever is pivotable to and from a rest position in which the shorter arm abuts the support portions. Springs are connected with the frame and with the lever, to the latter intermediate the pivot and an upper free end of the longer arm at one side of the pivot, to bias the lever to the rest position. An engaging portion projects from the longer arm at the aforementioned one side of the pivot and has an at least substantially horizontal orientation when the lever is in the rest position.

[451 Sept. 2, 1975 MULTI-FUNCTION PHYSICAL EXERCISE APPARATUS [76] Inventor: Franz Kulkens, Kammweg 6, D

4962 Obernkirchen, Germany [22] Filed: Aug. 21, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 389,657

[30] Foreign Application Priority Data Aug. 23, 1972 Germany 2241444 [52] US. Cl 272/58; 272/79 R; 272/83 R [51] Int. Cl. A63B 21/02 [58] Field of Search 272/57 R, 58, 72, 73, 79 R,

OTHER PUBLICATIONS Marcy Gym Equipment Co. Catalog No. 69, pg. 18, 1969.

Marcy Gym Equipment Co. Catalog No. 69, pg. 43.

Primary Examiner-Richard J. Apley Assistant Examiner-Joseph R. Taylor Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Michael S. Striker [57] ABSTRACT A flat ground-supported frame has two transversely spaced side portions from each of which support portions extend upwardly. A pivot extends between and is connected with the support portions, and a lever is journaled on this pivot intermediate the support portions and has a longer arm and a shorter arm below the pivot. The lever is pivotable to and from a rest position in which the shorter arm abuts the support portions. Springs are connected with the frame and with the lever, to the latter intermediate the pivot and an upper free end of the longer arm at one side of the pivot, to bias the lever to the rest position. An engaging portion projects from the: longer arm at the aforementioned one side of the pivot and has an at least substantially horizontal orientation when the lever is in the rest position.

20 Claims, 4 Drawing Figures Fig. 1

SHEETIUFZ MULTll-FUNCTION PHYSICAL EXERCISE APPARATUS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION a number The present invention relates to a physical exercise apparatus in general, and more particularly to a multifunction physical exercise apparatus.

Physical exercise apparatus is known for various types of exercises, and it is also known to provide multifunction exercise apparatus. In particular, it is known to provide such apparatus which has a frame that extends far upwardly of the ground and on which number of exercise elements are mounted. This type of exercise apparatus is excellent for sports halls, exhibition exercise and use outdoors, but is too large and also too expensive for use indoors, for instance in a private house or even in an apartment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is, accordingly, an object of the present invention to provide an improved multi-function physical exercise apparatus which avoids the disadvantages of the prior art.

More particularly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved multi-function physical exercise apparatus which is smaller than those known from the prior art so that it can be readily installed in a room of an apartment or the like.

Another object of the invention is to provide such an improved physical exercise apparatus which is relatively light in weight and simple in construction, so that it can be produced inexpensively and its acquisition becomes possible for a wide range of potential customers.

In keeping with these objects, and with others which will become apparent hereafter, one feature of the invention resides in a multi-function physical exercise apparatus which, briefly stated, comprises a substantially flat ground-supported frame having two transversely spaced side portions, and a pair of support portions each of which extends upwardly from one of these side portions. A pivot extends between and is supported in the support portions, and a lever is journalled on the pivot intermediate the support portions and has a longer arm above and a shorter arm below the pivot. The lever is pivotable to and from a rest position in which the shorter arm abuts the support portions. Spring means is connected with the frame and with the lever intermediate the pivot and an upper free end of the longer arm at one side of the pivot, and this spring means serves to bias the lever to the rest position thereof. An engaging portion projects from the longer arm at the one side of the pivot and has an at least substantially horizontal orientation when the lever is in its rest position.

Constructed in accordance with the present invention, the novel physical exercise apparatus has small overall dimensions and therefore requires little floor space. Moreover, it is constructed of simple components, namely basically the flat frame, the support portions, the lever, the springs and the engaging portion. Such an apparatus can be produced inexpensively and is therefore within the financial capability of almost any potential customer. Moreover, since it is so small and so light in weight, it can be readily transported and set up anywhere, in normal rooms of apartments and the like.

Despite these advantages and the small dimensions and lightweight construction, the apparatus according to the present invention is usable for many exercising functions, and moreover is completely safe in operation. One of the basic reasons for the fact that the apparatus can be used for many functions results from the mounting of the lever in such a manner that it can be freely operated without being in any way hindered (either the lever or the user) by any parts of the frame. The use of the ground-supported flat floor frame and of the support portions projecting upwardly therefrom makes it possible for the overall construction to be very low. The entire construction can be readily completely or partially collapsed or disassembled, so that it can be stored and transported with a minimum of difficulty and requires very little space for storage.

According to one embodiment of the invention a spring may be arranged at each longitudinal side of the frame and the springs may engage a traverse which is mounted on the lever by means of a screw spindle. This provides for a reliable guidance and symmetrical action of forces upon the lever, while simultaneously maintaining great simplicity of construction of the components involved.

It is advantageous if the support portions are removably connected to the frame, and if the frame is partially or completely collapsable or foldable, so that the device can be either taken apart or folded to require little space during transportation and storage. This makes it possible to take the device along on vacation or the like, because it can be readily accommodated in the luggage compartment of a motor vehicle when so collapsed.

The novel features which are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its construction and its method of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a side view of an apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention, looking towards the right in FIG. 2;

FIG. 2 is a view of the apparatus in PEG. 3, looking towards the left in that Figure;

FIG. 3 is a somewhat diagrammatic side view of a further embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 41 is a fragmentary detail view of a component of FIG. 4.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Discussing of the drawing firstly the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, it will be seen that the novel multi-function physical exercise apparatus according to that embodiment has a substantially flat groundsupported frame 1 which advantageously is assembled of angle profiles, that is of structural members having in cross-section an angular profile. The assembly may be by means of nuts and bolts or in any other manner well known to those skilled in the art. Reference numeral 2 suggests that in the present embodiment the frame I can be separated or can be folded together. At the center portion of the frame 1, as seen in the longitudinal direction of the latter, each of the transversely spaced side portions of the frame is provided with an upwardly extending support portion 3, which advantageously are also composed of angle profiles and have triangular configurations as shown. Reference numeral identifies a pivot shaft which extends between and is supported by the support portions 3, and on which a lever 4 is pivoted intermediate the support portions 3. The lever 4 is double-armed, having a shorter arm 4a which is located below the pivot 5 and a longer arm which is located above the pivot 5 andhas the reference designation 4b. When the lever 4 is in the rest position illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the shorter arm 4a abuts a traverse 6 provided on the support portions 3, the arrangement being such that in this position the longer upper arm 4 b is either vertical or substantially vertical as in the illustrated embodiment. An engaging portion 8 is provided which extends from the upper arm 4b and is provided with a hand grip 7 having two gripping portions which may be provided with padding or the like for the comfort of a user. When the lever 4 is in the illustrated rest position, the engaging portion 8 which is in form of an elongated arm, extends at least substantially horizontally. The arm 8 or engaging portion 8 is advantageously removably connected with the upper arm 4b, so that it can be connected to the latter at different levels, as suggested by the broken-line showing of the support portion 8 in FIG. 2. The engaging portion 8 may, incidentally, also be provided with two foot braces 9, in the event that it is desired for the user to be seated and to push against the engaging portion 8 and thereby the lever 4.

In the illustrated embodiment a spindle 10 is mounted on the upper arm 4b and provided with a nut or similar member 11 which moves longitudinally of the spindle 10 as the latter is rotated. Since the spindle 10 extends parallel to the arm 4b, the nut 11 will move up and down with reference to the elongation of the arm 417. A traverse 12 is provided on the nut extending transversely of the elongation of the arm 4b, and two springs 13 are provided each of which has one end connected at 14 to the frame 1 and another end which is connected to the traverse 12. Both springs are located at one and the same side of a vertical plane passing through the pivot shaft 5. The springs 13 permanently bias the lever 4 to the illustrated rest position in which the arm 4a abuts against the traverse 6 provided on the support portions 3.

The construction thus far described already allows various types of physical exercises to be performed,

when the lever 4 is made to pivot in opposition to the force of the springs 13 by acting upon the engaging portion 8 via the components 7 or 9.

However, the apparatus is much more versatile, as will immediately become apparent. It will be seen in FIG. 2 that at the side of the vertical plane passing through the pivot 5 which is opposite the side Where the springs 13 are located, there is provided an elongated flexible element 15 such as a rope or the like, which has one end secured to the arm 4b and is trained about at least one roller 16 mounted on the frame 1, and another roller 17 mounted on one of the support portions 3. The free end of the element 15 is provided with a hand grip 18 which is accessible at the same side of the vertical plane through the pivot shaft 5 at which the engaging portion 8 is located. Thus, a user can exert a pull on the element 15 by pulling on the hand grip 18, and

thereby deflect the lever 4 against the action of the springs 13. This means that pulling and rowing exercises can be carried out.

At the same side as the springs 13 the frame 1 is provided with a roller seat 19 which can be removed for transportation and storage of the apparatus. This seat can roll in the illustrated rollers from the left-hand side of the frame towards the support portions 3. Means can also be provided for arresting it in any desired position. The broken-line showing of the seat 19 at the righthand side of the frame 1 indicates that the seat can also be placed at that side, if desired. This seat can be used to support the body of a user who may wish to brace his feet against the components 9 to deflect the lever 4. On the other hand, the user may rest on the seat 19 and grip the hand grip 18 to pull on the element 15 and simulate rowing. In the former instance the seat 19 is arrested against rowing movement, but in the latter instance it is permitted to roll freely in order to simulate the movement of roller seats which are known in rowboats, for instance those used in regattas. It is also possible to reverse the position of the seat 19, that is to have the back face towards the support portions 3, rather than away from them as is illustrated in FIG. 2.

A foot brace 20 is provided on the support portions 3 on the side facing in the same direction as the springs 13, and the feet may be braced against this brace 20 when rowing is simulated or similar physical exercises are carried out. At the opposite side the support portions 3 are provided pedals 21 which permit a user to simulate bicycle pedalling. For this purpose the seat 19 is placed into the broken-line position shown in FIG. 2. A further member 22 can be provided on the lever 4 if it is desired to perform pulling exercises in direct engagement with the lever 4, rather than via the element 15. The adjustability of the engaging portion 8 longitudinally of the upper arm 4b makes it possible to accommodate the device readily to different body heights.

At one of the end portions of the frame which connect the transversely spaced side portions having the support portions 3, in FIG. 2 the one at the right-hand side of the drawing, at least one transport roller 23 is provided which is so located that when the frame is in the ground-supported position shown in FIG. 2, it is out of engagement with the ground. However, when the opposite end of the frame is raised, the roller 23 moves into engagement with the ground and thus permits ready transportation of the apparatus by rolling it along the ground.

FIG. 2 shows in broken lines a belt-massaging device 24 which can be connected to the arm 4b of the lever 4, so that the body of a user can be massaged at the same time as the user works out on the apparatus against the force of the springs 13. Such belt-massaging apparatus are well known and require no detailed discussionl Coming to FIGS. 3 and 4 it will be seen that they illustrate a further embodiment of the novel apparatus. Like reference numerals identify like components as in the preceding embodiment, and it will be understood that the basic construction is the same as in the other embodiment.

Reference numeral 19a here shows how the roller seat 19 can be arrested in desired positions, when it is not to be able to roll freely. It can also be reversed so that its backrest faces towards the left in FIG. 3, rather than towards the right, as indicated by the broken-line showing in that Figure. When the seat 19 is in the fullline position it again serves for simulating rowing movements with the aid of the element which here is guided on the rollers and 31 which are mounted on the lower arm 4a and the frame 1, respectively.

At the end of the frame 1 which is located 'at the same side as the engaging portion 8 there is releasably connected a telescopable unit 32 which can be fixedly mounted in an at least substantially upright position, as shown in FIG. 3. This can be achieved, for instance, by inserting a portion 33 of the unit 32 into appropriately configurated socket openings of the frame 1. The unit 32 has a lower supporting component 32a and an upper telescopable mounting component 32b which can be telescoped into and out of the component 32a to different extents, and be arrested in various positions. The arresting can be carried out by means of holes provided in the component 32b and a pin or bolt 34 extending through an opening in the component 32a and which can be inserted into different ones of the holes of the component 32b.

The upper end of the component 32b is provided with rollers 37, advantageously located at both opposite sides of the component 32b, and at least one elongated flexible element 36 is trained about one of these rollers 37 (or two can be provided, each trained about one of the rollers 37). A free end of the element 36 is provided with a substantially frame-shaped handle 35, and the element 36 is trained about rollers 31 on the frame 1 and 30 on the arm 40 of the lever 4. Intermedi ate the rollers 30 and 31 the element 36 is advantageously trained around these elements in the same manner as a rope in a block and tackle arrangement. Thus, a pulling action can be exerted on the handles 35 against the force of the springs 13 to train for various motions, that is to perform arm exercises, leg exercises and the like. In broken lines it is shown in FIG. 3 that the element 36 can also be trained around a roller 37a which is mounted on the component 32a, and possibly also over additional rollers, to permit lateral arm movements which simulate spinning motions.

A further roller 38 is mounted at the upper end of the component 32a, and an elongated flexible element 39a can be provided which is trained around the roller 38 and which can be connected with a lever 39 which is still to be described.

A bench 40 on which a user can lie, is releasably connected with that side of the unit 32 which faces away from the lever 4. The connection can for instance be carried out via a connecting member 41 which can be adjusted up and down, and an arresting device 42 can be used for such a connection, operating in the same manner as the pin 34. The connection to the unit 32 takes place at one end of the bench 40; the opposite end of the bench 40 is supported by a leg 43 which can be moved to different positions lengthwise of the bench 40, for which purpose the portion 44 of the bench 40 is provided with holes in which a member corresponding to the pin 34 can be engaged which is also engaged with the leg 43. A leg brace 48 is provided and can be adjusted, serving to support the legs or feet of a user, and by adjusting the position of the leg 43 longitudinally of the portion 44, the arrangement can be accommodated to different body heights or lengths. Bolsters 49 of the leg brace 48 are displaceable against the action of one or more springs in a guide 51, for instance a slotted tube, so that the user can push the bolsters 49 upwardly against the action of the springs 50 and perform exercises in this manner. However, the bolsters 49 can also be arrested if it is not desired to make use of this exercising possibility. The guide 51 is slightly inclined, as shown in FIG. 3, to allow for the movement performed by the feet during the exercise against the action of the spring 50.

A pair of foot braces 45 and 46 are provided on the component 32a, and they are mounted on the angular lever 39 which is pivoted at 47 and whose arms include approximately a right angle with one another. The foot braces 45 and 46 are mounted at the free ends of these arms, as shown. The lever can be used in conjunction with the braces 45 or 46, depending upon the body height of a user.

FIG. 4 shows in a detail view that the bench 40 can be connected with its portion 44 directly to the lever 4, if desired. In this case the element 42 is used to connect the bench 40 to the frame 1 after the leg 43 is first removed from the bench. The foot braces 48 can, however, continue to be used even. though the bench is now inclined rather than horizontal as shown in FIG. 3.

It is clear that two or more of the apparatus described and illustrated with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 and 3 and 4, respectively, can be located laterally adjacent one another and be connected, so that several persons can exercise simultaneously.

The bolsters 49 can also be mounted so that they can be displaced laterally (i.e., normal to the plane of FIG. 3) against the action of appropriate springs, in order to permit a leg exercise which simulates lateral movement of the legs during swimming.

The versatility of the multi-function physical exercise apparatus according to the present invention will be clear from what has been described and illustrated. It permits a variety of different types of physical exercises to be carried out, and in fact more than one type of exercise can be carried out simultaneously, for instance leg and arm movements. The overall construction is small and lightweight, and due to the simplicity of the device its production is inexpensive.

It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together, may also find a useful application in other types of constructions differing from the types described above.

While the invention has been illustrated and described as embodied in a multi-function physical exercise apparatus, it is not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention.

Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can by applying current knowledge readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention and, therefore, such adaptations should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalence of the following claims.

What is claimed as new and desired to be protected by Letters Patent is set forth in the appended claims:

1. A multi-function physical exercise apparatus, comprising a ground-supported frame including two transversely spaced substantially horizontally extending said portions, a pair of support portions, each connected to and extending upwardly from one of said side portions,

said shorter arm and said frame, respectively; and wherein a portion of said flexible element is trained about said additional guide rollers in block-and-tackle fashion.

17. An exercise apparatus as defined in claim and further comprising a bench having one end portion provided with a separable leg, and another end portion; and connecting means for releasably connecting said other end portion with said unit.

18. An exercise apparatus as defined in claim 15; further comprising an angled lever pivoted to said upper mounting portion and having two mutually inclined arm portions which include with one another substantially a right angle; and a pair of foot braces provided on the respective arm portions.

19. An exercise apparatus as. defined in claim 15; and further comprising a bench having one end portion connectable with said frame, and another end portion; and connecting means for releasably connecting said other end portion to said lever.

20. An exercise apparatus as defined in claim 17; fur ther comprising foot brace means provided on said one end portion of said bench, said foot brace member shiftable along said guide member from a starting position to a deflected position, and biasing means resisting shifting of said foot brace member to said deflected position, 

2. An exercise apparatus as defined in claim 1; further comprising an adjusting spindle mounted on and extending longitudinally of said other arm, and a member mounted on said spindle and displaceable lengthwise thereof in response to rotation of said spindle; and wherein said spring means is connected with said member.
 3. An exercise apparatus as defined in claim 2, wherein said spring means comprises two expansion springs, each having one end connected to one of said side portions and an opposite end connected to said member.
 4. An exercise apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said support portions are removably connected with said side portions, and wherein said frame is at least partially foldable.
 5. An exercise apparatus as defined in claim 1; further comprising a roll seat removably mounted on said frame at least at one side of said pivot; and arresting means for arresting said roll seat against rolling movement thereof.
 6. An exercise apparatus as defined in claim 1, and further comprising foot-brace means mounted on said support portions so that a user may brace his feet.
 7. An exercise apparatus as defined in claim 1; and further comprising pedal means mounted on said support portions so that a user may simulate bicycle-pedalling.
 8. An exercise apparatus as defined in claim 1, and further comprising a transport roller provided on one of said end portions and so positioned as to be out of engagement with the ground when said frame rests on the same, but to be in engagement with the ground when the other of said end portions is lifted up.
 9. An exercise apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said side portions and said support portions are composed of angle profiles.
 10. An exercise apparatus as defined in claim 1, wherein said actuating means further includes an engaging portion connected to and extending substantially horizontally from said other arm when said lever is in said rest position thereof.
 11. An exercise apparatus as defined in claim 10, wherein said engaging portion has a free end region provided with holding portions and is adjustable longitudinally of said other arm.
 12. An exercise apparatus as defined in claim 1; further comprising additional guide rollers mounted on said one arm and said frame, respectively; and wherein a portion of said flexible element is trained about said additional rollers in a block-and-tackle fashion.
 13. An exercise apparatus as defined in claim 1; and further comprising a bench having one end portion provided with a separable leg, and an other end portion; and connecting means for releasably connecting said other end portion with said unit.
 14. A multi-function physical exercise apparatus, comprising a substantially flat ground-supported frame having two transversely spaced side portions; a pair of support portions, each extending upwardly from one of said side portions; a pivot extending between and supported by said support portions; a lever journalled on said pivot intermediate said support portions and having a longer arm above and a shorter arm below said pivot, said lever being pivotable to and from a rest position in which said shorter arm abuts said support portions; spring means connected with said frame and with said lever intermediate said pivot and an upper free end of said longer arm at one side of said pivot, said spring means biasing said lever to said rest position; a roller journalled on said frame at an opposite side of said pivot and spaced from the latter; and an elongated flexible pulling element trained about said roller and having one end secured to said longer arm of said lever, and another end located and accessible at said one side.
 15. A multi-function physical exercise apparatus, comprising a substantially flat ground-supported frame having two transversely spaced side portions; a pair of support portions, each extending upwardly from one of said side portions; two end portions at opposite sides of said support portions and spaced from the latter, said end portions connecting said side portions; a pivot Extending between and supported by said support portions; a lever journalled on said pivot intermediate said support portions and having a longer arm above and a shorter arm below said pivot, said lever being pivotable to and from a rest position in which said shorter arm abuts said support portions; spring means connected with said frame and with said lever intermediate said pivot and an upper free end of said longer arm at one of said sides, said spring means biasing said lever to said rest position; and a telescopable unit releasably and in substantially vertical orientation secured to the end portion at said one side of said pivot, said unit including a lower base portion, an upper mounting portion telescopable into and out of said base portion and fixable with reference thereto in a plurality of telescoped positions, guide rollers mounted on said upper mounting portion, and at least one elongated flexible element trained around said guide rollers and having one end connected with said shorter arm of of said lever, and another end which is free and provided with a handle.
 16. An exercise apparatus as defined in claim 15; further comprising additional guide rollers mounted on said shorter arm and said frame, respectively; and wherein a portion of said flexible element is trained about said additional guide rollers in block-and-tackle fashion.
 17. An exercise apparatus as defined in claim 15; and further comprising a bench having one end portion provided with a separable leg, and another end portion; and connecting means for releasably connecting said other end portion with said unit.
 18. An exercise apparatus as defined in claim 15; further comprising an angled lever pivoted to said upper mounting portion and having two mutually inclined arm portions which include with one another substantially a right angle; and a pair of foot braces provided on the respective arm portions.
 19. An exercise apparatus as defined in claim 15; and further comprising a bench having one end portion connectable with said frame, and another end portion; and connecting means for releasably connecting said other end portion to said lever.
 20. An exercise apparatus as defined in claim 17; further comprising foot brace means provided on said one end portion of said bench, said foot brace member shiftable along said guide member from a starting position to a deflected position, and biasing means resisting shifting of said foot brace member to said deflected position. 